For today's post, I thought we'd have a little fun. In #silvergoldstackers we often show the coins and bars of silver and gold we legally buy. But let's just imagine we weren't quite as law-abiding. I want to take a look at five great heist movies. The target in all of these but one is gold.

1. Die Hard 3

I almost have to start with this one. The first Die Hard is amazing. The second had it's moments, but the third is really where everything came together. Plus it featured a gold heist. And what a gold heist it was! I'm sure most of you have seen this, so I don't need to go into details. Suffice to say it's a really fun ride.

2. Three Kings

To continue the gold theme, I'll take this one as my next pick. George Clooney and gang are US soldiers in the Gulf War looking to steal Kuwaiti gold. It not only doubles as a war movie and heist movie, but even sneaks in some anti-war sentiment (as any good war movie does). Well worth the watch!

3. Kelly's Heroes

Another heist / satirical war movie. Clint Eastwood stars in this caper, "Kelly's Heroes," where American soldiers go behind enemy lines to rob a bank holding Nazi gold. This one combines elements of comedy with the backdrop of World War II, offering a unique twist on the genre. The ensemble cast, including Telly Savalas and Donald Sutherland, delivers a mix of action and humor, making it a standout film that merges military strategy with the thrill of a gold heist.

4. The Italian Job (1969)

You knew this one was going to be here. This classic British film, featuring Michael Caine and a fleet of Mini Coopers, is iconic for its inventive gold heist sequence. "The Italian Job" is celebrated not only for its clever plot but also for the patriotic spirit it embodies, showcasing a plan to steal gold bars from under the noses of the Mafia. The film's blend of humor, thrilling chase scenes, and the famous cliffhanger ending leave a lasting impact on the heist genre.

5. The Hot Rock

For this last pick, I'm going to pick one you may not expect. Breaking the gold theme, this one is a diamond heist. It stars Robert Redford in a charmingly slick performance. When you think of Redford's early work, you may not think of this one. But it's really good. Redford's character leads a team of specialists in an attempt to steal a precious diamond. What sets this film apart is not just the heist itself but the humorous mishaps along the way. It's a caper that combines smart planning with unpredictable setbacks, making it an entertaining watch from start to finish.

Well there you go, five great heist movies. Have you seen any of them? If so, what's your favorite?

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David LaSpina is an American photographer and translator lost in Japan, trying to capture the beauty of this country one photo at a time and searching for the perfect haiku. He blogs here and at laspina.org. Write him on Twitter or Mastodon.

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